Labor resource utilization method and apparatus

Abstract

A method and apparatus that assesses the importance of projects in a portfolio of projects and allocates labor resources to multiple concurrent projects is provided. The method includes specifying clear project schedules that are readily testable for various projects and using labor categories for project schedule tasks requiring labor resources. The present design determines each project team member's productivity for each supported labor category and allocates project team members to the project tasks on a periodic basis such that the most important project tasks receive the most productive available project team members for each project's specified labor categories.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]1. Field of the Invention[0002]The invention relates to managing projects, and more specifically to managing labor resources for multiple concurrent projects using a computer.[0003]2. Description of the Related Art[0004]Project Managers seek to deliver new or enhanced products / services to customers while maintaining a careful balance between cost, features, quality, and schedule of the associated project. Project Managers must complete deliverables on time and within budget for their corporation to realize a substantial profit.[0005]Project Managers use scheduling tools for sequencing the activities of their project staff. Various manufacturers have developed project scheduling tools. However, the use of currently available scheduling tools has only moderately improved the success of such projects for a variety of reasons.[0006]Unsuccessful projects fail to deliver the expected return-on-investment envisioned at the time of projected funding. For exa...

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Problems solved by technology

However, the use of currently available scheduling tools has only moderately improved the success of such projects for a variety of reasons.

Unsuccessful projects fail to deliver the expected return-on-investment envisioned at the time of projected funding.

For example, if a project delivery date is missed, the project may require funding above the initial approved amount.

Impediments can include complexities that may result from incorporating engineering change orders and modifications to the original project specification, such as the rewriting of an ambiguous requirement.

Current project management tools lack the ability to handle multiple project deliverable items over multiple projects, as well as the associated development activities, costs, and resources required.

Complexities arise when Project Managers try to measure efficiency, productivity, and skill for each individual.

The inability to tr

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